DOCCS honors PEF parole officer at annual memorial ceremony

The sun was glistening on a perfect June morning when PEF-represented parole officers from around the state and the leaders from the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision gathered at Albany’s Memorial Garden for an annual tribute to parole officers who lost their lives on the job. This year, DOCCS Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci celebrated the bravery and stamina of Parole Office Samuel Salters, who survived being shot by a parolee, Robert Morales, on April 15, 2010. Annucci described how Salters grew up in an impoverished neighborhood and whose life mission was to show others that choices could lead to success, rather than prison.

“The bullet pierced PO Salters in the shoulder and then damaged several organs. Fortunately, the gun jammed after the first shot. Morales later told the press, he was sorry that Salters did not die,” Annucci said. “The trial took three years, and ultimately it resulted in a guilty verdict. His earliest release date is April 2050.”

For his outstanding service, Annucci presented Salters with a Commissioner’s Leadership and Performance Coin

At the end of the presentation, PO Victor “Tony” Perez, PEF Division 236 council leader, laid a wreath at the parole officers memorial wall, which bears the names of all the fallen officers. Parole officers from around the state also gathered for a group shot with Salters.